Conventional split or mini split??

[mrramsey]

Hey guys been a good while since I’ve posted. Asking for feedback specifically from anyone in northern Ohio. I am designing a new garage with a second floor office. Wanting to add heat and a/c. A mini split would certainly have the advantage of not running a gas line but how well do they really work when the temps drop into the teens and below?

 

[MeentSS02]

It obviously depends on the unit. I've had a Mitsubishi mini split with hyper-heating, and I've been quite pleased with its performance year round. Our house has a horribly designed HVAC system where the upstairs bedrooms get nearly no airflow due to how the vents were run. We have one head in each bedroom, and they are by far now the most comfortable rooms in the house. We keep them at 72° year round, and I'm sure we could go even warmer if needed in the winter.

It doesn't get quite as cold down here in SW Ohio, but we've definitely had some cold days over the past few years of having it. The system will end up needing to defrost pretty often once it gets down below freezing, which can be a bit noisy at times overnight. It's just how the system works. Otherwise, no complaints from me, aside from the absurdly large outdoor unit.

 

[Jm78b]

Im not from ohio, I live in manitoba canada, and i would have no problem putting a minisplit in my garage. I do commercial hvac/r for a living and we currently have minisplits in both of our shops. They're great. We sell fujitsu units mainly, but Mitsubishi make nice units as well. They do heat and cool very well and have improved lots in the last 10 years.
With that there are factors id consider. How dirty is your garage? You may need a coldweather kit (just a couple wind shields) depending on how sheltered the outdoor unit is. Stick with a reputable brand and make sure the unit is sized for your application.

 

[yeldogt]

Property sized any system will work .....it's a question of install cost and running costs.

Have to do some math. Wanting to condition --- insulate well ... this lowers equipment size and running costs